UN chief to raise human rights in Iran meetings

UN associate spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters Tuesday that the UN chief will also convey the world's concerns on Iran's nuclear program, the Syria crisis and terrorism.

The UN announced last week that Ban would attend the summit of the 120-member Nonaligned Movement despite strong opposition from Israel, the U.S. and Jewish groups. Haq said he was heading to Tehran on Tuesday.

Since the announcement, human rights groups have urged the secretary-general to raise human rights concerns during his expected meetings with Iran's supreme leader and president.